Info in movie news | After years of requesting, the Oscars confirmed that they are including Best Achievement in Stunt Design as a new competitive category. The award will premiere at the 100th Academy Awards in 2028 celebrating movies of 2027.
As confirmed by Variety, the category has been approved by the Board of Governors of the Academy and we can expect it to begin receiving nominations as By way of a full-court run from the stunts community. Director and former stunt performer David Leitch (The Fall Guy, Bullet Train) led the charge alongside stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara. The two presented the case to the Academy over several years, pushing for recognition of the craft as a vital part of filmmaking.
“Stunts have been part of cinema since the days of Buster Keaton,” said Leitch. “This moment is for every stunt professional who’s paved the way.”
Of particular interest is the fact that this award will not be presented to a single performer – it gives recognition to the teamwork behind action sequences. The decision was lauded by John Wick director Chad Stahelski who stated, “Stunt departments are among the most complex and at the same time most harmonious in the whole of cinematography. Recognizing design honors the entire process.”
Over 100 stunt professionals are already members of the Academy's Production and Technology Branch. A newly introduced category in Oscars, called Best Casting, elicited praise from the Stuntmen's Association while President Jeff Wolfe was confident it will be the most memorable moment in 2026. It's the first time that the Oscars added the category Best Casting that will make its first ever appearance st the 98th Oscars through 2026.
Jeff Wolfe, who serves as the president of the Stuntmen’s Association, this victory is historic. “The battle isn’t only for the rights of stunt performers but also for art through which the story is narrated,” he explained. “Every jump, hit, and blast is a reflection of people’s enthusiasm and imagination.”
Momentum has been growing over the past few years. With The Fall Guy gaining buzz and voices like actor Winston Duke advocating during press tours, the industry seems ready to give stunt professionals the spotlight they’ve long deserved.
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